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Andalucía's Costa del Sol is not only the Costa del Golf but also provides the ideal combination of climate, coast and countryside for virtually any other major sport you can think of,  ranging from para-gliding to polo. Among these, tennis remains consistently popular and attracts players from all age brackets.
According to Segar Bastard, tennis coach at El Madroñal Tennis Club in San Pedro de Alcantara, the great advantage of the game is "the ability for anybody at any level to play and enjoy at a reasonable price for court and equipment." In his opinion, the tennis facilities here have inspired many great players in the past and attracted at least one great player today - Monolo Santana, the former French, US and Wimbledon Champion, hosts the Marbella open tournament each summer at his Raquets Club near Puerto Banus.
The main reason for the success of tennis in Andalucía is the most obvious one - the weather. Tennis can be played year round here, aside from the few weeks (or less) of wet weather between November and April. Most of the courts have floodlighting for evening play and several important tournaments are held here annually. Most of the region's better hotels (from three to five star) have tennis courts included within their facilities. Aside from the hotels, there are the private clubs, a selection of which are included hereafter.
The cost of a tennis class obviously varies, but averages from between 20 to 30 euros, for a one-hour private class, and can be as low as just 6 euros if you enrol in a group session.
Tennis Clubs
Miraflores
Miraflores is located halfway between Marbella and Fuengirola, has all-weather courts and the club organises round-robin Sunday tournaments, as do most clubs. These are great fun, as you simply turn up and play. If you don't have a doubles partner, the clubs will match you with someone of equal ability. You normally get to play four or five sets in a friendly atmosphere, maybe win a T-shirt and have drinks and a snack afterwards.
Urbanisacion Miraflores N340 km 199.
Tel: 952 932 006
Mansfield's
Mansfield's is at the popular Benavista complex between San Pedro and Estepona. It is a non-membership club, where any of the five excellent courts can be rented for around 7 euros per hour, with paddle at the same price (check for current prices as these are subject to change). The club has full changing and shower rooms and facilities for disabled, with ramps into the clubhouse and onto one of the courts. The restaurant and bar is available for private functions. Phone in advance, as the club is very busy in the summer months.
Tel: 952 888 106
Puente Romano Hotel Club
At the Puente Romano Hotel Club, group lessons are available for children, with a maximum of four to a class, for 60 euros a month. This buys two lessons a week of one hour each, which works out at 8 euros per hour. Full membership of the club for adults is 720 euros a year for paddle and proper tennis, with a spouse qualifying for a 50% discount, a first child under 14 at 180 Euro and subsequent youngsters at 120 euros each. Lessons for adult club members are 25 euros for 50 minutes and 40 euros for hotel guests. There are 10 Tennis Courts and 4 padel. It is located on the 'Golden mile" between marbella and Puerto Banus at km177.
Tel: 952 820 900
El Madroñal Country Club
El Madroñal Country Club has tennis courts and a school. It is open to non-members and located on the San Pedro to Ronda road at km 164.
Tel: 952 785 307
El Casco Tennis Club
El Casco Tennis Club has six clay and four hard courts. Membership, restaurant and accommodation are all available.
Urb. El Rosario, km188 on the N340.
Tel: 952 837 651
Los Granados Tennis Club
Los Granados Tennis Club two paddle tennis and three tennis courts. Individual lessons also available at your home. There is a tennis school for children aged four and over every afternoon. Puerto Banús.
Tel: 952 818 662
Club Nuevo Alcantera
Club Nuevo Alcantera is located in the Heart of this new urbanisation. 4 Tennis and 9 Padel Courts.
Tel: 952 788 315
Manola Santana Raquets Club
Monolo Santana, the former French, US and Wimbledon Champion, hosts the Marbella open tournament here each summer. There are 6 tennis courts and 2 paddle courts Located between Marbella and Puerto Banus north of the Golden Mile on the Ctra de Istan km 2.
Tel: 952 778 580
Tenis El Casco
El Casco tennis club is located within the Urbanisation El Rosario east of Marbella. 9 Tennis courts and 4 padel.
Tel: 952 837 651
Lew Hoads Tennis Club
Located between Fuengirola and Mijas. Founded by the late great Australian Wimbledon winner. Ctra de Mijas km 3.5.
Tel: 952 474 858
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